Tree Program

Partners in Planting

RPU has partnered with The Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Line USA® program, which recognizes public and private utilities that demonstrate practices that protect and enhance America's urban forests. This program promotes the dual goals of safe, reliable electric service and abundant, healthy trees across utility service areas.

Now we want to partner with YOU to plant trees all over Rochester!

Green Means Clean!

Why is RPU forming so many partnerships to “green-up” Rochester? Because planting trees makes sense for your pocketbook, your family’s health, and the future of the environment. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, carefully positioned trees can save up to 25% of a household’s energy consumption for heating and cooling. Not only that, trees clean the environment. One acre of trees provides enough oxygen for 18 people for one year and absorbs as much CO2 as a car produces by driving 26,000 miles.

Where to Plant a Tree

Follow these basic tree-planting rules and you will save energy and money on your utility bills.

Plant deciduous (leaf-shedding) trees on the south and west sides of your home to:

Celebrate Arbor Day

Arbor Day was founded by J. Sterling Morton, an early pioneer to Nebraska who loved nature and saw the need for planting trees in the vast prairies of the state. Arbor Day was first observed in 1872, when more than one million trees were planted in Nebraska. Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world. For more information about Arbor Day, visit the National Arbor Day Foundation website at www.arborday.org.

Each year, beginning on the last Friday in April, RPU encourages the Rochester community to plant trees in celebration of Arbor Day. Click here for details on our Arbor Day events and plan to have your family attend!